Taking a Hike

Jenny Jump State Park: The New Blue Trail

There's a new trail in town; at Jenny Jump State Park (near Hope NJ). Recently I hiked with the team that lead the development of this new six (6) mile trail; The West Jersey Crew (NY NJ Trail Conference). This was their unofficial inaugural hike, which also served to recruit volunteers to maintain segments of this trail. Your author is interested in learning how to maintain trails and taking on a segments responsibility.

The hike (light blue blaze) was held under cloudy threatening sky's; as if we need more rain in New Jersey. Many sections if the trail were mini-streams or muddy; yet overall,  wonderful vegetation and a scenic view of the valley and distant (11 miles away) Delaware Water Gap. This will be good all seasons trail; level 2 (easy with a few ascends). 

It was enjoyable meeting the crew and learning about their five years of work and the goals for maintenance. There is one final segment to be completed and the hope is to formally inaugurate the trail by Fall 2011.

View more images on Flickr: Jenny Jump State Park.

 

Jenny Jump State Forest (NJ)

Jenny jumped to her death from the cliffs in this park to escape Indians, so the legend goes. Jenny Jump State Forest is located near the small town of Hope, NJ. Just so you know, this was not one of my favorite hikes. A few highlights, but overall a disappointment.

Starting on the Summit Trail, there are two beautiful vistas, and not much else. The "yellow" blaze trail was well marked and relatively easy for novice hikers. I then ventured onto the Ghost Lake (blue) trail, which was a total disaster.

I didn't make it very far on this trail, when the blazes became difficult to locate. Very frustrating! I am spending more time looking for the next blaze... moving along the trail and once again... lost.

Eventually I had to double back, abandoning this trail to Ghost Lake. On my return, there were more lost blazes -I felt some relief being back at the Summit Trail marker.

My day hiking plan was to return via the Swamp Trail (Red Blaze). To get there from the end of the Summit Trail requires a short walk on East Road. Alas, I never found the Swamp Trail and followed the road back to my car.

Next up - driving a short distance to the Jenny Jump trail (blue dot), which was another blaze disaster. After a few Blue-Dot blazes, i found myself on the white blaze Orchard trail, which doesn't appear on the map in this location. All was not lost, as I witnessed a moderate size (300 lbs) black bear crossing my path. What a sight! The bear watching me, me watching the bear. He ambled up the rock wall and walked off. I kept an eye on him while crossing his path and after a quick nod and wave (ok kidding) made my way back to the car. No Jenny Jump Scenic VIew this time. I recall this being a steep cliff when I was a boy scout...  maybe next year.

Finally, I drove to Ghost Lake - since I failed to get there on foot. Ghost Lake is off Hope Road (611) turning onto "Shades of Death" road -I kid you not!  Ghost Lake is quite spectacular, especially as the sun sets.This section is worth a revisit.

Overall, I rate this trail system a 2 our of 5. The views were nice but not breath-taking, and the blazes on the Ghost Lake and Jenny Jump trails were sub-par. Please view my pictures of my Jenny Jump State Forest hike.